As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 recently signed into law, there are several energy conservation incentives for homeowners, including a better tax credit incentive to install vinyl replacement windows.

There are lots of good reasons to consider installing replacement windows. Energy-efficient windows can help lower your monthly energy bills, while making your home more comfortable to live in. Installing high-quality vinyl replacement windows can also add to the resale value of the home and result in an immediate reduction of heating and cooling bills. Replacement windows also require little maintenance and can add to your home's curb appeal.

Taxpayers purchasing replacement windows in 2009 and 2010 that meet specific energy efficiency requirements, they are eligible for 30% of the amount as a tax credit. This replacement window tax credit is capped at $1,500 for the years of 2009 and 2010.

To be eligible for the tax credit, replacement windows purchased must be equal to or below a U Factor of 0.30 and a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of 0.30. U Factor is the amount of heat transferred through a material. The lower the U-value, the slower the rate of heat flow and the better the insulating quality of the window. Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) is the percentage of heat gained from both direct sunlight and absorbed heat. The smaller the number, the greater the ability to reduce solar heat gain into the home.

Both U Factor and a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient qualifying stats should be available from the replacement window manufacturer as well as be stated on the window's NFRC (National Fenestration Rating Council) label.

Other requirements for the tax credit include:

Purchase of the qualified vinyl replacement windows must be made during the taxable year for which the credit is being claimed.

The credit is only allowed on the price of the qualified replacement windows themselves, not on installation costs, on site preparation, assembly or sales tax.

Comments

This is just another way that "going green" is helping people save money. I know that it's a little bit more expensive at first. But in the end these options usually end up paying for themselves and more. Also, to help further savings for families like ours, there are tax deduction options provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

My friend's husband owns a window business. He had to work 80 hour weeks and hire 3 extra people from November to the end of the year because so many people were trying to get their windows installed in time to get the tax credit. It really helped his business out a lot, especially since that is usually his slowest time of the year. Not only did the tax credit help those who needed to the windows, but it helped small businesses like his as well.

Took me about two month for window shopping atlast I went with superseal
so let's see how it's gonna come. They have very good warranty better than
some more expensive one. It's 30 window and cost around $401. With contour
grids on top six over one double hung Its going to take atleat 4 to 6 weeks so let's see

Thu, 04/15/2010 - 21:26 - Anonymous

Who's the

Who's the government?
Actually, because you spent money on windows, you get to keep some of your own money instead of sending it into the IRS.

Sat, 04/10/2010 - 16:05 - Anonymous

vinyl or hardiplank siding

The 12" cedar wood covering sides of attic need painting or staining. When I looked into other sidings I was told that the cedar would have to be removed. There is nothing on the back side of the cedar but studs. Is there any siding that would cover the cedar? Would it be more cost effective to paint/stain cedar rather than install other type siding?

Sun, 03/14/2010 - 23:24 - Anonymous

dollars

i almost bought a new window until i figured out it was saving only 25 cents a month. most sale people can not tell you how much money you will save, they don't know how to calculate it.

Sun, 09/27/2009 - 16:55 - Anonymous

it's a great deal

My husband and I recently changed our single pane windows to triple pane using the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. It's really worth it considering the government pays for a portion of your replacement windows.